The Madras Regiment traces its origin to the time when in 1758, during the French siege of Fort Saint George, the Sepoy companies of Madras were organised into battalions, the 1st and 2nd Madras, numbering 2,213 men.

Fighting mainly the French, Mysore and Maratha Wars under a succession of brilliant commanders like Stringer Lawrence, Robert Clive, Eyre Coote, Cornwallis and Wellesley ; the Madras Native Infantry left an indelible mark, impressing their commanders with their prowess in battle, stoic endurance under all privations and gallantry. The series of Battle Honours won, show the evolution of the Madras Regiment from mid 1700s till early 1800s. Seringapatam and Assaye, particularly, were notable milestones in the march of the Madras Infantry.

In 1826, the regiment with 52 battalions was again deployed overseas. Their dogged defence at Kemmendine during the First Burma War saw them (26 Madras Infantry) being awarded the unique Battle Honour 'Kemmendine' for the perpetual record of their distinguished and persevering gallantry. The Battle Honour 'Ava' (or “Arracan') was awarded to all regiments which took part in this war. Having proved their ability to fight in foreign land/environments, the Madras battalions were again chosen to serve overseas during the First China War of 1840-42.

Shortly thereafter, Madras battalions were again deployed in Burma as peace restored when the First Burma War proved fragile. The British limited their objective to annexing Pegu and thus ended the Second Burma War of 1852-54, the Madras Regiment adding 'Pegu' to their tally of Battle Honours. Battalions of the Madras Infantry took part in the 1857 campaign in Lucknow and Central India. After two decades, the Battalions saw the Second Afghan War of 1879-80 when they were part of the forces deployed there. The scene then shifted back to Burma when Madras battalions were employed on a large scale in the Third Burma War of 1885-87.

Initially four Madras Infantry battalions formed part of the force. These were later reinforced with an additional eight battalions and the war ended with the award of Battle Honour 'Burma 1885-87' to the victorious forces. The next action scenes were in another far flung theatre, the North-West (1895-98) and the Madras troops emerged from these engagements in mountain warfare with Battle Honours 'Tirah' and 'Punjab Frontier' to their credit. The Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900 saw an expeditionary force being sent to Peking which comprised, among other regiments of the Indian Army, battalions of the Madras Infantry. The battalions returned in 1901 having been awarded Battle Honour 'China 1900'.